The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.
learn more“Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
The WHO stress that mental health is “more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.” Peak mental health is about not only avoiding active conditions but also looking after ongoing wellness and happiness.
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:
• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and usual activities
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
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It’s this vague, hopeful sentiment that people throw around, without ever really defining it. What are we asking people to do or say? It’s not exactly clear. But what I do know is that we need to normalize asking for help and talk about what that might look like, rather than pretending it’s a simple and intuitive thing to do.Maybe then, we can reach people sooner. We can meet them more compassionately. And we can find better ways to support them.
Let’s talk about it.
Take a deep breath. Hold it for a moment, and then exhale. Feel more relaxed? Breathing exercises are one way to relax
Practice mindful meditation. The goal of mindful meditation is to focus your attention on things that are happening right now in the present moment.
Try progressive muscle relaxation. This process involves tensing and relaxing each muscle group. Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce anxiety and muscle tension. If you have trouble falling asleep, this method may also help with your sleep problems. When you relax your muscles, your body gets the signal that it is okay to fall asleep.
"A new Celebrity Mode presents mental health as a flashy badge of vulnerability"
While many of us enjoy staying connected on social media, excessive use can fuel feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, and FOMO.
Human beings are social creatures. We need the companionship of others to thrive in life, and the strength of our connections has a huge impact on our mental health and happiness.
Being socially connected to others can ease stress, anxiety, and depression, boost self-worth, provide comfort and joy, prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life. On the flip side, lacking strong social connections can pose a serious risk to your mental and emotional health.
If you’re spending an excessive amount of time on social media and feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness are impacting your life, it may be time to re-examine your online habits and find a healthier balance.
Your Language Matters
Mental health disorders are frequently tossed around
like figures of speech - we're all guilty of using them.
But, we need to remember how much our words
actually affect those around us. This type of language
only further perpetuates the stigma around mental
health, leaving those suffering going untreated. Why?
Because people begin to fear speaking up, or dont
even realize that they have a mental illness.
Mental illnesses have been integrated into everyday
language, causing people to overlook common
symptoms of mental health disorders.
Mental illnesses are not adjectives.
Many people suffering from mental illness fear
asking for help, or just for some company. Instead
of waiting for them to ask, just show up. Showing
up for them (even when they don't ask), is an
important way to be there.
Notice the 'little things' - make sure nothing goes
unnoticed.
Most people aren't seen, heard or acknowledged.
Make sure you validate your loved one's feelings,
so they know that you see them.
Try bringing a sense of happiness back into their
lives through fond memories.
Though often well-intentioned, people don't want
you to tell them how they should "fix" themselves.
Generally speaking, people don't want advice
unless it is requested. Instead, try offering
encouragement.
Your loved one's coping skills may differ from
yours, but it doesn't mean they're 'wrong'. Support
their solutions.
